Jesus is Faithful...

Since we have returned to the USA, more than once I have been told – in regards to not knowing what today holds- “wow! You have such faith!”.   To respond to that I must start by declaring there is nothing good in me that is of my own doing.  I am thankful that the Lord sent me a Helper, the Holy Spirit.  For if the Spirit did not live in me I would operate out of my own flesh, my own selfishness.  Because of His grace, the Spirit has been preparing my heart for some time for our return into a period of time that I like to think of as a whole bunch of question marks.  Once we knew that we were to return, the Spirit laid on my heart something that encourages me anytime my flesh wants to ‘define’ what today holds.  REMEMBER.  REMEMBER.  REMEMBER.  That simple word held much weight in my thoughts and heart.  It led me down a path of scripture, God’s holy word that is filled with His promises.   I don’t think there was anything I did that gave me faith.  God’s word, who He is, what He did, what He does… gives me faith.  If I chose to REMEMBER what His word says, what He has done in my life or others, and His character, then… I can have faith.  Hebrews 11: 1 states “now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.  The Greek for assurance is hypostasis, or confidence.  Notice it isn’t wishful thinking.  It is confidence. 

Oh, taste (experience) and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!  Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!  Psalm 34: 8-9

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.  I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Psalm 143:5-6

I have seen that the Lord is good and I remember what He has done.  Though my flesh may want to worry about today and tomorrow, I must train myself to taste and remember.  Then I can walk forward in faith, confidence in my Heavenly Father.  

Home definitely isn't just an address....

We can't tell you how much we have seen the hand of God the last few days!  On August 7th we loaded our 28 suitcases, our 7 back packs, our cat, and kids into a gua gua and headed for Puerto Plata airport.

We were met by many, that we call our "D.R. family", to send us off in prayer and with hugs. It was very hard to get on that plane and leave such a wonderful community of believers.  

Prayer over us

Lucia, our helper at the house

 Home definitely isn't just an address.  


 After a long, emotional day of travels, we arrived in Raleigh, N.C. close to midnight to be greeted by our "N.C. family".  What a surprise that was to see so many friends and family waiting for us with signs, smiles, and hugs.. and kids in PJ's that were awoken by their parents to come welcome our kiddos! What a joy that was to be welcomed like that.  We can't explain the gratitude for all those in the Body that sent us off in love and received us in love.  It was just what our hearts needed! How wonderful is our Lord? We studied Ephesians the last two years in the D.R. and to see it lived out among our family and friends in the D.R. and N.C. left us in AWE.  Thank you to everyone for the support, love, & encouragement.

DONATIONS:  Please continue to give to Makarios as we will be supported through them through October at the latest.  We will notify you immediately of any changes.  We are talking to multiple organizations right now and were told by wiser folks to wait until we returned to the US to make a decision.  So we will have a decision to you with notice of how to change your donation to another organization by the end of September or notification that we have a job.  THANK YOU!  PLEASE email or call us if you have any questions.  Can't wait to share more in person all that God has done through your partnership in the Gospel.